[FPARC] Field Day

[Bill Sinbine]

>
>CQ Field Day
>
>
>Field day is fast approaching.  Has your club made plans yet?  Whatever it 
>is that your group decides to do, make sure that you have plenty of food 
>on hand and make the focus on having fun.
>Check out the rules for new changes this year.
><http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2005/rules-fd-2005.html>http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2005/rules-fd-2005.html
>
>
>  Field Day T-shirts
>
>Be sure to order Field Day T-shirts and pins for everyone in your club or 
>group.  Also be sure to have extra Field Day pins on hand to give to 
>visitors and operators at your stations.
>All orders received by Monday morning June 20, 2005 will be guaranteed 
>delivery by Field day.
>Order on line <http://www.arrl.org/fieldday>http://www.arrl.org/fieldday 
>or call TOLL FREE 1-888-277- 5289
>
>
>
>
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>
>Field Day Tip From K7BV
>
>Many seasoned FD organizers have learned what a great QSO asset 6 and 2 
>meter stations can be.  When these VHF bands open (enhanced tropo or 
>sporadic Es), your FD team can log hundreds of surprise contacts from all 
>over the United States and Canada.  Many 6 and 2 meter band-fans who 
>cannot make it out for FD are delighted to have so many stations operating 
>portable in the field, frequently from sparsely populated parts of the 
>country.
>
>Many of these VHF enthusiasts collect "grid squares." To draw the 
>attention of this valuable score-building resource, be sure that your team 
>knows the answer to the question many will ask "What's your grid ?!" While 
>this information is not a necessary piece of information that has to be 
>exchanged in FD, responding to their inquiry will likely draw others to 
>your frequency. ARRL can help you discover what grid you will be operating 
>- visit 
><http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html>http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html
>
>Bulletin
>
>Here is a bulletin that was designed to be used in a high school 
>newspaper.  Perhaps it can be used by some of our clubs.
>Be proactive and have a date scheduled for a licensing class so that when 
>guests ask how they can become Amateur Radio operators you can give them 
>the information.  Invite them to your next meeting and have information 
>packets to handout.  Make sure that you have a greeter on hand at your FD 
>site to welcome visitors.
>
>If you like to get outdoors and enjoy a good friendly competition in a 
>social environment, then ARRL Field Day may be just what you're looking for.
>
>The premise of Field day is to prove that in an emergency Amateur Radio 
>operators or "hams" are capable of setting up radio stations in the field 
>and by using portable antennas and emergency power (generators, batteries, 
>solar, human generated) they are able to contact as many other groups 
>around North America doing the same thing.  There are over 2500 clubs, 
>groups and individuals that participate in Field Day.
>
>Since it's inception in the 1930's Field Day has evolved into one of the 
>most popular Amateur Radio events by far.  Sponsored by The ARRL, The 
>National Association for Amateur Radio, the event runs for 24 hours from 
>Saturday to Sunday and is a test of human endurance as well as the 
>endurance of your radio equipment and power source.
>
>During emergencies and natural disasters normal modes of communication 
>such as telephones, cell phones and the Internet usually become overloaded 
>and fail.  It is during these times that licensed Amateur radio operators 
>fill the void and serve their communities by passing along health and 
>welfare messages to the non-affected areas of the country.
>
>This is not Citizens Band.  Amateur Radio operators must pass exams that 
>test their knowledge of electronics and communication procedures in order 
>to get licensed by the FCC.  Once licensed they are issued a unique call 
>sign and have earned the privilege to use frequencies in the radio 
>spectrum that are allocated for the Amateur radio Service.  Some of these 
>frequencies are for short-range communications while others are capable of 
>contacts over distances of several thousand miles.
>
>Most people think of ham radio as short wave, and while these may be the 
>most popular used bands hams also use VHF & UHF FM radios, television, 
>repeaters and digital modes to communicate with other Amateur Radio 
>operators.
>
>There are even satellites deployed solely for use in the Amateur Radio 
>Service.  These birds are capable of operating in digital or voice modes 
>and require relatively modest stations to use them.  Amateur Radio is on 
>board the International Space Station and the astronauts on board are 
>licensed to use it.
>
>Many clubs and groups plan large cookouts that coincide with the 
>drill/contest making it an event for all radio amateurs and their families.
>Even if you are not a licensed Amateur, come on out to Field day and see 
>what it's all about.  There will be plenty of experienced and friendly 
>people to show you around and perhaps guide you through an on air contact.
>
>The event is free and open to the public.  Bring your appetite for food 
>and fun.
>
>
>
>
>73, and have fun.
>
>Norm Fusaro, W3IZ
>ARRL Affiliated Club/Mentor Program Manager
>225 Main St.
>Newington, CT 06011
>
><mailto:w3iz at arrl.org>w3iz at arrl.org
>860-594-0230
>
>
>


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73, Bill Sinbine
n4xeo at bellsouth.net